Elder Ephraim of Philotheou & Arizona
In August 2013, Elder Ephraim of Arizona issued a warning: “Prepare yourselves, because very soon the truly difficult times will begin. Difficult times are coming from September. I cannot understand the world.”
As uncertainty loomed, many began to ask: “Do the new measures affect me?”
Elder Ephraim continued with a piercing critique of modern society: “Honestly, I cannot comprehend how deeply modern society and the people living in this country have been corrupted. No one cares about their neighbor. No one is concerned about the problem that has knocked on the door of their fellow citizen, their neighbor. Everyone only thinks about whether ‘the measures’ affect their own petty interests. What morality is left? Evil has struck the family, education. It has infected every healthy cell of society, and today we are living the consequences of this war. People rush about without caring for those beside them. The society we once knew is gone. Today, individualism reigns. Why? Because some played with the character of the Greek and eroded all the traits that could have helped him. It’s unthinkable! Individualism thrives, and deceit has become a ‘virtue.’ Generations were raised learning how to snatch and grab. And all this under a regime of complete impunity. In fact, the more you ‘grab,’ the further you seem from punishment. God sees this. Today, He allows us to receive a few slaps, hoping we will come to our senses, just like with drunkards.”
His message concluded with a call to vigilance and moral clarity: “Tell others to be careful. Don’t let your reason surrender to whatever they tell you. Where is the bravery of those who wouldn’t let anyone belittle them? Where are the valiant young men who shed their blood for all of us? This land was soaked in blood. It is a great shame that it is now ruled by foreigners and the unworthy. Be vigilant.”
Yet one question remains: Which September was Elder Ephraim referring to? That mystery endures.
These words of Elder Ephraim where initially shared on August 8, 2013, by the Greek website National Pride: https://national-pride.org/2013/08/08/%CE%B3%CE%B5%CF%81%CE%BF%CE%BD%CF%84%CE%B1%CF%83-%CE%B5%CF%86%CF%81%CE%B1%CE%B9%CE%BC-%CF%84%CE%B7%CF%83-%CE%B1%CF%81%CE%B9%CE%B6%CE%BF%CE%BD%CE%B1-%CE%B1%CF%80%CF%8C-%CF%83%CE%B5%CF%80%CF%84/
The text was translated and published by ‘The Holy Wisdom’ YouTube Channel on September 7, 2025.